An inability to protect its citizens. The belief that it is above the law. A lack of democracy. Three defining characteristics of the ‘failed state’. And that, says Noam Chomsky, is exactly what the US is becoming. In an exclusive extract from his devastating new book, America’s leading thinker explains how his country lost its way.

05/29/06 “The Independent” — — Federal authorities are actively investigating dozens of American television stations for broadcasting items produced by the Bush administration and major corporations, and passing them off as normal news. Some of the fake news segments talked up success in the war in Iraq, or promoted the companies’ products.

Investigators from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are seeking information about stations across the country after a report produced by a campaign group detailed the extraordinary extent of the use of such items.

The report, by the non-profit group Centre for Media and Democracy, found that over a 10-month period at least 77 television stations were making use of the faux news broadcasts, known as Video News Releases (VNRs). Not one told viewers who had produced the items.

— The special counsel prosecuting former White House aide Lewis Libby indicated in court documents filed Wednesday that Libby’s former boss, Vice President Dick Cheney, could be called as a witness in his upcoming trial.

Wonder what some people will do when all their get tough heroes are finally revealed to be grubby little crooks, at best?

Posted in Outrages | Comments Off on Won’t be anyone left to run the place…

When you’re behind some minivan still displaying a W sticker, ponder what the empty little head of the driver is filled with. Amazing “facts” such as this:

As the debate over illegal immigration in our nation continues on its course, Republicans in Congress remain committed to securing our nation’s borders and enforcing our nation’s laws.

Uh huh. Really, can’t even make a snarky comment on that.

Republicans firmly believe working Americans should be able to keep more of the money they earn. It’s one of our fundamental differences with Democrats. Maybe that’s why the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts were enacted with wide Republican majorities in the House and Senate. As a result of that historic tax relief, a record number of taxpayers received generous tax refunds on their 2003 tax returns, the average of which was almost $2,100.

If by average you mean, lets take the millionaires 41K refund and compare it to the say, $150 a typical, middle class taxpayer got, sure.

Republicans in Congress are committed to honoring our men and women in uniform–past and present. And Republican reforms have bettered the situation of our nation’s veterans, dramatically increased funding for veterans’ programs, and ensured our veterans receive the benefits they are owed.

Oh, like not funding treatment for DU or Agent Orange related illness, cutting benefits and requiring larger co-pays, not to mention sending mentally ill troops back into the field because you can’t recruit enough idiots for your little wargames? You’re committed alright.